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New DelhiAn outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu (H5N1) has been reported in four states, following which the central government has directed all states and Union Territories to remain alert to unusual deaths of birds.
It has also urged to strengthen biosecurity measures in all poultry, maintain enhanced surveillance in wet markets, and ensure strict and timely reporting of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases.
Additionally, instructions have also been given for all poultry farmers and poultry farmers to conduct regular health check-ups within 10 days.
H5N1 infection is spread by birds – mainly migratory birds – and is also known to spread to domestic chickens.
Also read: Kerala: Avian flu outbreak confirmed at government poultry farm in Manarcad, authorities take stringent measures
Bird flu can easily spread to humans.
The bird flu outbreak has been a matter of global concern
There has been global concern over the bird flu outbreak since March this year. The government is checking the spread of the virus with the joint efforts of the Animal Husbandry Ministry and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) of the Health Ministry.
As an abundant precaution, a joint advisory has been issued by the Ministries of Health and Animal Husbandry respectively. The government has advised orientation of all healthcare functions in the public and private sector to the signs, symptoms and case definition of avian influenza.
“Be alert to any unusual deaths in domestic birds or chickens in their states, strengthen biosecurity measures in all poultry establishments, zoos, poultry markets. Be prepared for all preventive measures like stocking adequate number of antiviral drugs (oseltamivir), PPE, masks, isolation wards in dedicated hospitals. Enhance surveillance in wet markets, poultry farm workers as well as sewage samples, water bodies and crows etc,” the advisory said, adding that strict and timely reporting of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases should be ensured.
Also read: Bird flu outbreak ‘100 times more dangerous’ than Covid pandemic, say experts
This year, outbreaks of the disease have been reported in poultry in Andhra Pradesh (Nellore), Maharashtra (Nagpur), Kerala (Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts) and Jharkhand (Ranchi).
In states where there is an active outbreak of bird flu, the Centre has directed to collect samples from Kallar and surveillance workers on the 5th and 10th day after the sanitation drive for H5N1 testing.
“Suspected human cases should be monitored, and health check-ups should be conducted for poultry keepers and poultry farm workers for a period of 10 days,” the advisory says, and recommends chemoprophylaxis, management, and use of personal protective equipment.
Queries sent to the Health Ministry remained unanswered.
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Published: May 31, 2024, 07:08 PM IST
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